“Do you mind if I borrow your charger for an hour?”
A2 · Elementary8 minPhrases
When you need this
When you share a small room, you share a lot of things: a mini fridge, a charger, shampoo, a desk lamp, sometimes food. Good roommates ask first, every time, even for small things. Asking shows respect, and it keeps the friendship safe.
The key question is "Do you mind if I...?" It's polite because it leaves the other person room to say no. Be careful with the answer. "No, go ahead" means yes, you can. "Actually, I'd rather you didn't" means please don't. "Not at all" also means you can.
The other side matters too. If you want your roommate to use your things freely, say "Help yourself." If you don't, say so kindly and early, before it becomes a habit.
Phrases
the polite way to ask permission
yes, you can (you're saying you don't mind)
asks to use something and give it back
take what you want; you don't need to ask
a kind but clear rule about your things
a soft way to say no
asks about a guest for the night
asks someone to be quieter
asks who does a job this time
you'll buy a new one after using it up
Say it out loud
Tap a sentence to hear it. Say it after the voice.
Practice · 3 min
Say the line that fits.
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Say it today
Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.